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 At the Northern part of the country, in the Sula Valley, San Pedro Sula is the other Honduran modern center. Aside from being the second largest city, with more than 600.000 inhabitants, it is also considered the industrial capital.
Its strategic location and mere 34 miles that separate it from Puerto Cortes, have attracted a large number of investments, especially in manufacturing. The city of Puerto Cortes, on the Caribbean coast, is the most important in Central America and it is through here that all goods enter and leave the country.
| Special Mementos |
If you are in search of the perfect souvenir, you will certainly find it in San Pedro Sula. Throughout the city you’ll see shops that sell leather goods and other remarkable items. Those who prefer a different experience must know about the unique shopping possibilities available. There are two main options: Casa del Sol or the Gaumilito Market. The first is a smaller shopping area that offers quality products. Gaumilito is considered by many the best source for every type of Honduran product, as well as vegetables and flowers. |
Although it was founded in 1536, with the name “Villa de San Pedro de Puerto Caballos”, it wasn’t officially declared a city until 2002; by that time, there were already close to half a million people living there.
San Pedro Sula is a popular destination for different reasons, but the main one is its location and convenience. Its international airport, “Ramon Villeda Morales”, has become the main point of entry into the country. Also, being the large city it is, it offers visitors every facility they might require, and it’s close to other of the country’s attractions, which make it a good starting point for traveling.
In the city you’ll find a soccer stadium, beautiful architecture like the baroque Metropolitan Cathedral, souvenir shops and endless restaurants to please everyone. Cultural and night life are lively, with museums to visit, like the Anthropology Museum, which displays the country’s and city’s history, the Sampedrano Cultural Center, offering various cultural events on a regular basis –and is also the home of San Pedro’s public library-, and the Francisco Saybe Theater, the city’s newest and most modern.
| Nearby Fun |
 • El Cusuco National Park: In the Merendon mountain range, it’s a cloud forest of 61,000 acres, with mountains reaching 6,500 feet above sea level. It is well known for housing endangered species, like the quetzal, toucan and jaguar.
• Lake Yojoa: The largest natural lake in the country, it is well known for its fishing. Bird watchers find themselves in paradise, as they observe parrots, toucans and many other tropical bird species. About 90 minutes from San Pedro, it is surrounded by Santa Barbara and Azul Meambar National Parks.
• Pullapanzak Falls: Very close to Lake Yojoa, you will find yourself admiring this waterfall’s impressive fall within lush tropical vegetation and swimming in its wonderful natural pools.
• Puerto Cortes: This is a lot more than the leading coastal city of Honduras. Along its shores visitors will encounter the Garifuna communities of Bajamar and Travesia, some of the most important in representing their true customs and culture. There are several beaches popular among locals and tourists. For all those seeking adventure, there are also a variety of mountain bike tours available.
• San Fernando de Omoa: Just 75 minutes from San Pedro Sula, this town not only has beautiful beaches, but it is home to an impressive fortress, built by Spaniards between 1759 and 1775, to protect themselves from the attacks of English, French and Dutch pirates.
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